WHAT IS YOUR RELATIONSHIP TO FASHION, GOING INTO THE VMAN FORD MODEL SEARCH?
I have absolutely no relationship to fashion. I've just been dared by my friends to do stuff like this before, so I though I'd enter.

HOW DID YOU HEAR ABOUT THE SEARCH?
I heard about the search online. I was actually just looking into agencies in NYC to apply to and I found Ford, and I thought, What better start than with VMAN and Ford?

WHAT HAVE YOU LEARNED ABOUT MODELING SINCE BEING INTRODUCED TO THE FORD TEAM AS A FINALIST?
I've learned that fashion is incredibly competitive from a model's standpoint. I knew my chances were slim going into it, but I also knew it couldn't hurt to try.

WHAT MAKES YOU AN IDEAL MODEL SEARCH WINNER?
I like to think I bring something to the table that can't be duplicated and hopefully I have a look like none other.

WHAT MAKES YOU UNIQUE?
I'm really down to earth and laid back. A lot of people might get nervous when it comes to big opportunities like this but I sort of just go with the flow. Also, I think humility is another quality I possess that may help me out down the road as my career heightens.

WHAT ARE YOUR ASPIRATIONS OUTSIDE OF MODELING?
I'm going into my junior year this fall at the University of Massachusetts. I'm studying journalism and plan to receive a concentration in Sports Journalism. I really want to be a broadcast journalist; I figure modeling can help get me the camera presence that I would need.

HOW DOES IT FEEL TO KNOW YOU'RE ABOUT TO BE #SHOTBYKARL?
I really don't know how to grasp the feeling, I don't know enough about fashion right now. I have done some research on Karl and he seems to be fashion royalty, so I suppose it's exciting. I'm sure it will all set in once I get to Paris!

DOES ANYTHING INTIMIDATE YOU ABOUT POSSIBLY GOING INTO THE FASHION INDUSTRY?
I get a little intimidated about traveling, specifically for a long period of time. For all I know, I could be living in Japan next summer if everything works out. I know it would be best for my career to live somewhere else, but I definitely find moving and traveling a little intimidating.

WHAT WOULD WINNING THE 2013 VMAN FORD MODEL SEARCH MEAN TO YOU?
It would be amazing. I'm a very realistic thinker and I know there are seven other guys with the same goal as me, so I won't be too disappointed if I lose. But I like the other guys. I'd love to win and pursue this chance of a lifetime.

WHAT EXCITES YOU THE MOST ABOUT POTENTIALLY BECOMING A FASHION MODEL?
If I do have a future in the industry, I am probably most excited about meeting ab unch of great, new people. Like anybody else, though, I look forward to seeing myself around in a magazine or in a department store.

For photos of Philip, including the photos he submitted to enter the contest, click the slideshow above.

Stay tuned for more Model Search finalists to be announced this week on VMAN.COM!